American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Post

Helping to elevate this great blog post by Dr. Cuthbertson.

Learn here about intersectional challenges impacting Black LGBTQ Youth based on HRC latest report. #Diversity #Inclusion #Intersectionality #BlackLGBTQYouth #Allyship

The Trevor Project's 2023 survey highlights the resilience of LGBTQ youth. 41% have battled thoughts of suicide in the past year, including half of transgender and nonbinary young youth. Nearly two in three LGBTQ youth say that hearing about laws limiting discussions of LGBTQ topics in schools seriously affects their mental health. This data emphasizes a crucial truth: LGBTQ youth are not defined by a higher risk of suicide due to their identity. Instead, their vulnerability to such distressing thoughts is largely a result of the mistreatment and discrimination they endure in society. Today my coworkers and I wear purple for Spirit Day with unwavering support for the Queer and Questioning youth in Fresno, the Central Valley, and beyond. Wearing purple symbolizes our commitment to lift up LGBTQ youth who often grapple with the challenges of bullying in school and society at large. We also commit to do the work: By providing free, family friendly sober events and spaces, where LGBTQ adults are successful and thriving, youth can see that being yourself is the best thing they can be. Together, we're shaping a world where every young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can find community. So join us throughout October (LGBTQ History Month and National Bullying Prevention Month)by wearing purple and supporting your local LGBTQ Resource Center and community organizations.

Happy Pride Month!🌈🎉 As we welcome Pride Month each June, we celebrate and honour Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ ) individuals and their achievements, their struggles for recognition, acceptance, inclusion, and fight for equality. One pressing issue is the rejection LGBTQ youth often face from their families, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Recognition and acceptance are crucial for these individuals, yet many encounter stigma, rejection, discrimination, and victimization. Studies show LGBTQ youth are disproportionately represented among homeless populations due to family rejection, discrimination, and violence. This rejection often leads to feelings of isolation, shame, and despair, contributing significantly to homelessness and mental health struggles among LGBTQ youth from immigrant backgrounds. As family members, we have to support these youths by educating ourselves and others, learn about queer issues, and continue to share this knowledge with others while making sure that our homes are welcoming. Additionally,social care professionals may emphasize in providing inclusive services, implementing LGBTQ sensitive training and practices tailored to support these youths from immigrant backgrounds. Moreover, as members of society, we must promote acceptance by sharing positive messages on social media and public platforms as well as supporting LGBTQ events by attending and supporting Pride events and activities. ✨ And for those who have never participated in any Pride event yet, this month is the best time to start participating and giving our support to the community 🌈 Supporting initiatives where youth feel safe, seen, and accepted can significantly improve their lives. Encouraging a culture of acceptance and love for all children, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is crucial. By working together, we can help our youth live freely, without fear of being discriminated against for who they are. 🌈 #Suportlgbtq Youths #LGBTQ Youth Matter #Acceptance #Awareness

🌈✨ Happy Pride Month! ✨🌈 June is LGBTQ Pride Month, an awareness month to celebrate the vibrant diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ community. Pride is more than just the festivities and celebrations; it's also a time to honor and celebrate the impact the LGBTQ community has made to society and remember the obstacles they have had to overcome and continue to overcome to ensure fair and equal rights for all. However, it's crucial to recognize the challenges many still face. Did you know that LGBTQ individuals are at a higher risk for mental health struggles due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance? Here are some vital statistics to consider: - LGBTQ youth are almost 5 times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth. - 40% of LGBTQ adults report considering suicide in the past year. - LGBTQ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder in their lifetime. These statistics remind us of the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for everyone. This Pride Month, let's stand together to promote love, acceptance, and inclusivity. Let's continue to strive towards a world where all community members feel seen, heard, and valued. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources and support available. You can find more information at: https://lnkd.in/ejVCnYm https://lnkd.in/gSG_Ckx 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

🚨🌈 #ActNowForEquality 🌈🚨 Join the Vanguard for LGBTQ Youth! The National Time to THRIVE Conference - sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign/HRC/ has illuminated the urgent plight of LGBTQ youth. As a leader serving as T-Mobile's head of K-12 Education /NE/, I am empowered by T-Mobile’s commitment to these essential values and grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors. In this pivotal moment, LGBTQ youth face unprecedented challenges. They seek validation, yearn for a nurturing educational environment, and courageously confront bigotry. It’s imperative that we, as a community of educators, rise as allies—embracing love, compassion, and the resolve to advocate for change. We are at a crossroads, battling against a tide of anti-LGBTQ legislation that endangers the essence of our society. The call for allies is clear and present. We must mobilize with empathy and activism. The urgency is palpable; the call for action is undeniable. I stand with pride alongside T-Mobile, HRC, and the National Education Association, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of the conference. Yet, the path ahead beckons us to continue the fight. How You Can Impact Change: #EducateYourself: Immerse in the realities faced by LGBTQ youth. #AdvocateForChange: Foster inclusivity within educational realms and beyond. #SupportTheCause: Empower those at the forefront of equality. Your involvement is the cornerstone of progress. Stand up for rights, stand up for love—embrace bold action! 🏳️🌈💪💖 #RiseWithPride #ChampionEquality #LGBTQYouthMatter #TimeToThrive #BeTheAlly 🌐🤝

Unconditional love and absolute respect for LGBTQ youth is a value shared by the entire Covenant House federation. At Covenant House Mexico, that often means caring for youth who’ve faced incredible trauma specifically because of their identities. It’s common for LGBTQ youth to arrive at Covenant House Mexico fleeing violence or even death threats because of their sexual orientation. Staff report that residents fleeing homophobic and transphobic violence are almost always extremely guarded and reluctant to express their identities because of the hurt they’ve experienced. For Covenant House Mexico, a big part of Pride and supporting LGBTQ youth is simply providing a physical space where those young people know they are safe from the kinds of threats they’ve escaped. But it also means actively helping LGBTQ youth restore self-confidence and overcome that trauma through therapy, gender-affirming healthcare, and other specialized programs that specifically address their rights that have been violated. Read more about how Covenant House Mexico serves LGBTQ youth on our blog:

Standing in Solidarity: An Urgent Call to Support LGBTQ Communities Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we stand in solidarity with LGBTQ communities around the world. This week alone here in England, we have witnessed troubling developments that highlight the hostile environment these communities face. Esther McVey's attempt to ban rainbow lanyards is a blatant example of stoking the fires of culture wars, aiming to erase symbols of pride and acceptance. Additionally, the Department for Education's guidance to schools advising against teaching 'controversial gender identity' issues serves to further marginalise already vulnerable groups. These actions are not just policy decisions; they are attacks on the very existence and visibility of LGBTQ individuals. That is just this week. It is safe to say that these relatively small groups find themselves politicised, spoken about, to, and for. The irony is not lost on me that I am also doing exactly that here! All too rarely do we see or hear from those with lived experience. Our job as allies is not only to call this out but to stand up and be counted. Allyship is a verb. I have seen much written about this term, but I’m not going to get caught up in semantics. I know from speaking to my friends and family in the community that allyship is important. The horrific memories of Section 28 are still fresh for many of us. We must ensure that we do not lurch back in that direction. Through my work around cultural competency, I consistently emphasise that my role is not to change anyone's worldview or belief system. I wish I could do that, but that is not realistic. Therefore, my role is to ensure that no one discriminates against anyone based on their gender identity or sexuality. This principle should not be controversial. If we listen to the narratives of LGBTQ individuals, it becomes clear that their voices are often absent from the discussions that directly affect their lives. We must do better. As allies, it is our responsibility to amplify these voices, to create spaces where LGBTQ individuals can speak for themselves, and to challenge the pervasive discrimination that they face. We need to move beyond token gestures of support and engage in meaningful actions that promote equality and inclusion. The struggle for LGBTQ rights is far from over, and today serves as a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

🌈 It's time for us to step up and lead with love. The answer to hate isn't more hate—it's love. And when it comes to protecting our LGBTQ youth, there's never been a more critical time to do so. Our kids are facing hostility and discrimination from every angle, and it's up to us to stand up and be their champions. 💪 We must create a world where everyone is free to love who they want and be who they are, without having to hide or fear for their safety. Let's make sure our LGBTQ youth know that they are loved and valued, and let's fight for their right to live free from fear and discrimination. ❤️ The power of love is real, and it's up to us to use it for the benefit of everyone. Sources: NPR: Efforts to restrict rights for LGBTQ youth GLSEN's Blog AP News: LGBTQ, kids of color feel less welcome at school as bans White House: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Protect LGBTQI Communities Human Rights Campaign: News ABC7: Proposed California bill aimed at protecting LGBTQ youth NEA: LGBTQ Support & Protection CDE: SPI Takes Stand to Protect LGBTQ Students Youth.gov: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ACLU: Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures

Today is the #DayofNOSlience, a student-centered day of action when people across the country draw attention to discrimination against LGBTQ youth. This day was started by two college students in the mid-1990s as a Day of Silence, during which students took a vow of silence during the school day to echo the silence that is caused by harassment, discrimination, and prejudice of LGBTQ youth. They would end the day with Breaking the Silence rallies, talking about how people could fight these injustices. In recent years, sponsors have changed the focus of the day to one of action instead of silence in response to the introduction of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. This day matters to those who care about suicide prevention because statistics and surveys show that those who identify as LGBTQ are at higher risk of suicide. Forty-one percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 14 percent have attempted it, according to a 2023 Trevor Project survey. "LGBTQ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society," according to the survey. For more information on how to show support for LGBTQ youth, visit https://buff.ly/4awItYp. Find the 2023 Trevor Project survey results here: https://buff.ly/3pC32Qx